Best of Tennessee Craft 2016 Exhibit

Tennessee Craft seeks entries for its Best of Tennessee Craft Exhibition to encourage and promote a high standard of excellence and design among Tennessee craft artists and to provide public visibility and recognition for the quality and diversity of craft found in Tennessee.

Up to 75 pieces of artwork will be selected for this craft exhibition, hosted by the Reece Museum, located in Johnson City, Tennessee on the campus of East Tennessee State University. The public exhibition runs August 22 through December 2, 2016, with a reception on Saturday, August 27, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST. The exhibition is open to original works of craft created by artists 18 years or older who are current residents of Tennessee, including students. Artists may submit up to three craft pieces. Work must be original, not previously exhibited at a Best of Tennessee Craft Exhibition, and within generally accepted craft media. Original artwork only; any commercially-made embellishments must be subordinate to the handcrafted work. Artwork produced with commercial kits, molds, patterns, plans, prefabricated forms or other commercial methods are ineligible. Eligible craft include: basketry, clay, fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, printmaking, sculpture, wood and other.

The 2016 exhibition will be juried by Jerry Jackson, deputy director at Penland School of Crafts. The guest juror will select works to receive cash awards, including a $1,000 Best of Show. Entry fee is $35 ($30 for current Tennessee Craft members with coupon code "TCM2016") for up to three works, payable by check, credit or debit card. All entry forms must be electronically submitted no later than midnight July 5, 2016. Artists are responsible for transportation costs and insurance while in transit. Artwork may be shipped or hand-delivered between August 8 and August 12, 2016. Artists handle all sales and set retail prices; the Reece Museum requests but does not require a ten percent commission on sold artwork.